Hood shocks installed. Kits for 03-08 Matrix WILL WORK in 03-08 Vibe

L5K · Post by **L5K** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 8:37 am

Okay, kit came today. Installation is a breeze, and the instructions are straightforward plus they have pictures.Took me longer to gather the tools than it did to install these. Works perfect. You will need for installation a ratchet and three sockets. 10mm, 12mm Deep, and 13mm. Wrenches would work just fine too.The kit itself came with four washers, two ball studs, two bolts, two brackets and the shocks themselves. Step one is to open the hood and install the brackets. They replace the upper bolts on the hinges on the hood itself. I did this one side at a time to avoid the hood possibly shifting on the hinges. When installed it will look like this. The next step is to replace the bolt that holds the fender down with the ball stud (this is why you need a deep socket). It goes way down by the headlight and looks like this when installed. Next I put some grease on the ball studs. I don't know if this would really matter, but it can't hurt, and will help keep them from seizing or anything like that. The shocks in the kit had a clip type of thing that stuck into the socket and then clipped around the "neck" of the socket. I popped them out and slipped the shocks onto the ball joints and reinserted the clips and snapped them into place. This seemed much easier than trying to force the ball into the socket. I also did this one joint at a time to avoid losing any of the tiny clips.After all is said and done it looks like this. Total damage was US$54.99 with free shipping from Kasey302 on Ebay. There are others listed, but this is the cheapest as the others are all around 50 bucks plus shipping. The original listing is here and it says he still has 5 available.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors..._1165 This is definitely an improvement in my book as I always hated manual hood props because it never fails that I need to use them in the dark. Plus the one in my Vibe was all worn out and the plastic insert that it pivoted in would let it slip right through the hole unless it was wedged in just right and always scared me to death. Took me maybe 15 minutes to install and that was while taking pictures of the process.

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 9:37 am

Wow, that's a pretty simple setup. I'm almost tempted

L5K · Post by **L5K** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 10:09 am

It is really simple. I was expecting to have to realign the hood or something.Also I should note here, the instructions say that they do not recommend using these with carbon fiber, or other lightweight hoods. I don't know for sure if it's because it would make them difficult to close, or if it is because it could crack the hood.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 10:42 am

Nice I think I'll get a set.I hate the prop bars too.

scherry2 · Post by **scherry2** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 8:53 pm

just ordered a set. only 3 left.

Wolfman213 · Post by **Wolfman213** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 10:43 pm

Definitely nice!! Keep us posted on how long those shocks hold up though. My only concern is the angle of the shocks. With such a low angle like that, there is a lot more force/weight being pressed down on the shocks.

L5K · Post by **L5K** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 2:43 am

Yeah, I'm wondering how long they'll hold up too. I kept the rod in the back with the jack just in case. It won't fit in it's place because it would interfere with the right shock. I think they should last a while though as I really don't have the hood open except when I'm working on it. The shocks were too stiff for me to depress without the leverage from the hood and I like to think I'm a pretty strong guy.

cptnsolo77 · Post by **cptnsolo77** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 5:27 am

Very cool, practical mod! Thx for sharing.

Old Tele man · Post by **Old Tele man** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 10:56 am

...although I doubt it, wonder if there's something available for the 2009-2010 models?

L5K · Post by **L5K** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 6:21 am

I contacted the seller, explaining to him that the product works in 03-08 Pontiac Vibes also, but his response seems like he didn't understand. He explained to me that they were in the process of finding out if it would work on the Vibe... :/

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 6:31 am

So when you pop the hood, does it go up on it's own? Or do you still have to unhook it from the front and lift it up?

L5K · Post by **L5K** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 8:19 am

You still have to unhook it and lift it up. At about halfway it will stay where you leave it. When closing it, all I do is push it down till it's a couple inches above closed and then drop it. If you just push without holding it, when you get to about halfway down it will fall the rest of the way. Basically like any other car that has factory shocks/springs.

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 8:44 am

Quote, originally posted by L5K Â»You still have to unhook it and lift it up. At about halfway it will stay where you leave it. When closing it, all I do is push it down till it's a couple inches above closed and then drop it. If you just push without holding it, when you get to about halfway down it will fall the rest of the way. Basically like any other car that has factory shocks/springs.Cool!

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 10:52 pm

1 left Not appearance improvements, I think I am done with those, but something nice to have as those little bars never made me feel secure about working under the hood. What if you hit it by accident or something and it pops and the hood falls on you.This will be much more secure and totally worth the $54 for the whole kit. The shocks alone would cost about that much.My only improvement is going to be coating the screws in Rustoleum Black paint on top to match the inside of the car and put some Lanacote on the threads to prevent corrosion and rust. I'll post up my pics when I get it installed.

ajb812 · Post by **ajb812** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 3:59 am

I've been looking for this for my 09 GT. Anyone have any idea if this will work on the 09s, or where to look for it for the 09?

L5K · Post by **L5K** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 5:43 am

You might try to see if there's a kit for the 09 Matrix.I would imagine however that the layout of fender bolts and hood hinges didn't change when they changed body styles. That would be way more work on the manufacturer rather than just using the same frame and body mounting locations with a different sheet metal over it. These would probably work, but I can't say for sure.

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 5:52 am

The 09+ is an all-new car for the most part so it is very feasible that it would not fit and would possibly need longer or shorter gas struts.

L5K · Post by **L5K** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 7:51 am

I didn't realize they changed things that much. I know on older cars things like fender mounts, motor mounts, hinge placement and other "under" things were usually always the same from generation to generation unless it was a complete redesign.

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 1:55 pm

Quote, originally posted by Whelan Â»1 left It's gone apparently. However there is a new one with 5 more: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...3AVRIQuote, originally posted by Whelan Â»Not appearance improvements, I think I am done with those, but something nice to have as those little bars never made me feel secure about working under the hood. What if you hit it by accident or something and it pops and the hood falls on you.I never thought about that. Has that actually happened to anyone?

L5K · Post by **L5K** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 2:10 pm

Mine never fell, but the rod would easily slip through the small plastic sleeve in the fender and would require me to work at it a little to get it back in correctly. I doubt it would have fallen, but I didn't want to give it a chance either. Plus now, in the dark I don't have to juggle the hood, a flashlight, and the prop bar.

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 4:53 pm

Quote, originally posted by L5K Â»Mine never fell, but the rod would easily slip through the small plastic sleeve in the fender and would require me to work at it a little to get it back in correctly. I doubt it would have fallen, but I didn't want to give it a chance either. Plus now, in the dark I don't have to juggle the hood, a flashlight, and the prop bar.To be honest, I'm more worried on how well the shocks will work in the winter. In my previous car (Dodge Shadow) and my Vibe, the rear hatch shocks don't really keep the hatch up very well in low temperatures

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 7:32 pm

Your shocks must have been bad or old. I've never had a problem in cold weather with mine, they may go up a little slower, but never lost their hold. Gas shocks do have a lifespan and over time wear out. Although you are in Canada where it gets mighty colder than here in CT.

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 10:31 pm

Well I've experienced temperatures in the winter around -35C or -31F

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:02 pm

Yeah not me, maybe once in a great while I had -20F in CT, but that was short and rare.Mine come in today according to the tracking as they came from NY so next door. I'll have them on by this weekend with pics on the Matrix.

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:22 pm

I did forget to mention earlier in more moderate temperatures they behaved more normally. In the case of my Shadow, I know that was age related as well.At some point I had replaced them with a much stronger pair. In fact TOO strong, when I used the hatch release in the dash the hatch would leap into the open and extended position in about half a second!

L5K · Post by **L5K** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 3:48 am

I've had them in other vehicles too and never had a problem in winters. About like CT here, into the -20's is rare, but it does get below zero regularly at night. All numbers Fahrenheit lol. I did have a pair in my Daytona Shelby that didn't hold the hatch up, but they were in the car for a good 18 years before they went out. Plus that hatch was far heavier than the hood.

ou.grizzly · Post by **ou.grizzly** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 3:52 am

Will have to save up to purchase a pair... Need to pay summer taxes 1st.

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 3:58 am

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly Â»Will have to save up to purchase a pair... Need to pay summer taxes 1st. WOW! Summers in Minnesota are free, you gotta pay for your warm weather? What kind of conspiracy is goin' on over there? I would say, "screw it" and let it snow 24/7/365...lol.Ordered a set of these as well..

jkm311 · Post by **jkm311** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 6:04 am

Dang, Grizzly! This might get thrown on the mod list, too! I'll never make it to a D-town meet at this rate!

ou.grizzly · Post by **ou.grizzly** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 6:07 am

Quote, originally posted by jkm311 Â»Dang, Grizzly! This might get thrown on the mod list, too! I'll never make it to a D-town meet at this rate! Yeah you will. It would be held within 30 mile miles of you... This mod actually make me open up the engine bay on my 08 Vibe. Still need to change the engine and hvac filters.

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:32 am

Here are some additional pictures of the items received. Installing after work today Not too shabby for a Blackbery Storm 9530 3.2MP Camera Total PackageDiagramAssembly Bolts/WashersCloseup of the little clips to hold the balls in place

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:34 am

Nice! Let us know how it goes. Mine just shipped yesterday so they probably won't arrive until mid next week.PS - you said "balls"....lol.

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 4:02 am

My hood shocks just arrived today, too...YAY! I'll install them either tonight or tomorrow morning.

scherry2 · Post by **scherry2** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 4:16 am

putting mine on when I get out of work.

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 4:22 am

LOL! Sounds like this guy in NY saw the orders fly out after the original post and figured give himself a good rep and send fast. Let's all put up pics by tomorrow and inundate the post!

L5K · Post by **L5K** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 9:14 am

No fair I didn't get that little diagram for putting the studs into the sockets! I did warn the guy to expect some more sales though. lol

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Sat Aug 29, 2009 5:11 am

Here's my pics:

bodhi_tree777 · Post by **bodhi_tree777** » Sat Aug 29, 2009 7:05 am

nice. That angle still looks bizarre, though. Is it possible to modify the kit to bolt on higher up on the hood? Or does it really not matter?

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 1:59 pm

To be honest it really doesn't matter. You have to lift the hood a little bit but then it pops open and stays there. And when closing you bring it down to about a foot or two away and it closes on its own and locks very nicely.I'm a big fan, got my oil changed Saturday and the guys noticed the upgrade and liked it.It was definitely handy when I changed my spark plugs today cause you can easily manuever without hitting or working around the bar.

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:06 pm

One thing I did notice right away is that when the hood is fully open, it is about 2-3 inches lower with the hood shocks in their current location than with the hood prop. I'm thinking about moving them back to the open holes about 1-2/2" back from where they are located now on the quarter panels.

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:37 pm

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush Â»One thing I did notice right away is that when the hood is fully open, it is about 2-3 inches lower with the hood shocks in their current location than with the hood prop.That may be the difference. When I installed them on my Matrix I notice I had to actually raise the hood off the stock bar to get the struts to mount on the balls. If the Vibe hood sits differently it could be why they didn't claim it to fit the Vibe originally. Although a few inches is not a deal breaker for the added convenience for you guys/gals.With the new struts my bar is pretty much useless.

ou.grizzly · Post by **ou.grizzly** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 12:45 am

Quote, originally posted by bodhi_tree777 Â»nice. That angle still looks bizarre, though. Is it possible to modify the kit to bolt on higher up on the hood? Or does it really not matter? I am not digging that angle either; that is a bad mounting location as it is not supporting in the right place? What do ya think?Here is an older generations F-150 to compare mounting locations:

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 1:03 am

It could be better positioned, but this was built to be a direct bolt-on kit without drilling or welding require. Using the hood hing and front bumper attachment points.All-in-all it's still a great buy and does it's job. Our hoods are not that heavy either and these struts keep them open very well, I noticed no slipping or anything when the hood is up. It feels a lot more secure than with the pole. And if you look, the pole that holds our hood up is not that much farther away from where these mount. The only difference being the pole comes up at a higher angle.

06pvibe · Post by **06pvibe** » Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:27 pm

So I did find a few kits for the 03-08 Matrix. These will fit on the same year Vibes?

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Wed Dec 23, 2009 8:50 pm

Correct, the Vibe and Matrix mounting locations are identical I believe.

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 12:13 am

Quote, originally posted by 06pvibe Â»So I did find a few kits for the 03-08 Matrix. These will fit on the same year Vibes? Yes, it is the same kit that I have on mine.

L5K · Post by **L5K** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 7:10 am

Yeah, that's why I made this topic, I decided to try to see if the Matrix kits worked, and well... they do.

06pvibe · Post by **06pvibe** » Fri Jan 01, 2010 2:53 pm

Quote, originally posted by Whelan Â»Correct, the Vibe and Matrix mounting locations are identical I believe. Great. On order... from Taiwan of course. This will be mod #2, after the LED 3rd stop light.

06pvibe · Post by **06pvibe** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:54 am

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush Â»One thing I did notice right away is that when the hood is fully open, it is about 2-3 inches lower with the hood shocks in their current location than with the hood prop. I'm thinking about moving them back to the open holes about 1-2/2" back from where they are located now on the quarter panels.Blue, did you ever try that? Because I just did and after removing the OE hood prop rod that the RS strut was hanging up on, it works like a charm. Raises the hood at least another 1.5" higher than before.You need: 2- 6mm x 1.0 nuts, and either a 4 big 6mm flat washers, or in my case 4- 1/4" flat washers. The hole is a little bigger than it has to be, but cranked down (I only used a 1/4" drive ratchet) it ain't goin' no wherez.You could also use 4- 3/16" fender washers if you are willing and able to modify them. Increase the size of the hole to 6mm and grind down the sides, but after trying it w/the 1/4" cut washers, I don't feel that's necessary.

vibolista · Post by **vibolista** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 3:32 am

My 'prop up stick' is still doing the job, so don't think this mod is for me... but did you (06pvibe) order the LED third brake light? I've been trying to fit in some skiing and work lately, so not enough time to attend to the LED brake upgrade. Any luck ordering the LED ?

Hood shocks installed. Kits for 03-08 Matrix WILL WORK in 03-08 Vibe

Hood shocks installed. Kits for 03-08 Matrix WILL WORK in 03-08 Vibe

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